Southern Blight

Sclerotium rolfsii

Symptoms:
Mature plants may wilt and die rapidly in mid season. A characteristic brown lesion can be seen girdling the stem. Large dark brown spherical fruiting bodies (sclerotia) about the size of mustard seed are associated with the lesion. Extensive fruit rotting that spreads from a white boundary that eventually turns brown is noted.

Control:
Southern blight affects several plant families and the spores are very persistent. Fumigation may provide only partial control; no resistant varieties are available. Removal and burning of residue of affected plants prevents a build up of inoculum. Rotation with nonhost species is also important.

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